IICP, Meningitis, CP: Pediatric Success Neuro

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51. The parents of a 12-month-old with cerebral palsy (CP) ask the nurse if they should teach their child sign language because he has not begun to vocalize. The nurse bases the response on the knowledge that sign language: 1. May be a very beneficial way to help children with CP communicate. 2. May cause confusion and further delay vocalization. 3. Is difficult to learn for most children with CP. 4. Is beneficial to learn, but it would be best to wait until the child is older

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52. The parents of a child with cerebral palsy (CP) are learning how to feed their child and avoid aspiration. The nurse would question which of the following when reviewing the teaching plan? 1. Place the food on the tip of the tongue. 2. Place the child in an upright position during feedings. 3. Feed the child soft and blended foods. 4. Feed the child slowly.

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53. The nurse is caring for a child with cerebral palsy (CP) whose weight is in the fifth percentile and who has been hospitalized for aspiration pneumonia. His parents are anxious and state that they do not want a G-tube placed. Which would be the nurse's best response? 1. "A G-tube will help your son gain weight and reduce his risk for future hospitalizations due to pneumonia." 2. "G-tubes are very easy to care for and will make feeding time easier for your family." 3. "Are you concerned that you will not be able to care for his G-tube?" 4. "Tell me your thoughts about G-tubes."

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28. A child fell off his bike and sustained a closed-head injury. The child is currently awake and alert, but his mother states that he "passed out" for approximately 2 minutes. The mother appears highly anxious and is very tearful. The child was not wearing a helmet. Which is a priority for the triage nurse to say at this time? 1. "Was anyone else injured in the accident?" 2. "Tell me more about the accident." 3. "Did he vomit, have a seizure, or display any other behavior that was unusual when he woke up?" 4. "Why was he not wearing a helmet?"

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31. The nurse is caring for a child with a skull fracture who is unconscious and has severely increased intracranial pressure (ICP). The nurse notes the child's temperature to be 104°F (40°C). Which should the nurse do first? 1. Place a cooling blanket on the child. 2. Administer Tylenol (acetaminophen) via nasogastric tube. 3. Administer Tylenol (acetaminophen) rectally. 4. Place ice packs in the child's axillary areas.

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12. Select the best room assignment for a newly admitted child with bacterial meningitis. 1. Semiprivate room with a roommate who also has bacterial meningitis. 2. Semiprivate room with a roommate who has bacterial meningitis but has received intravenous antibiotics for more than 24 hours. 3. Private room that is dark and quiet with minimal stimulation. 4. Private room that is bright and colorful and has developmentally appropriate activities available.

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1. The nurse is caring for a child who has been in a motor vehicle accident (MVA). The child falls asleep unless her name is called or she is gently shaken. This state of consciousness is referred to as: 1. Coma. 2. Delirium. 3. Obtunded. 4. Confusion.

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10. A child is being admitted with the diagnosis of meningitis. Select the procedure the nurse should do first: 1. Administration of intravenous antibiotics. 2. Administration of maintenance intravenous fluids. 3. Placement of a Foley catheter. 4. Send the spinal fluid and blood samples to the laboratory for cultures.

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11. The nurse is caring for a 6-month-old infant diagnosed with meningitis. When the child is placed in the supine position and flexes his neck, the nurse notes he flexes his knees and hips. This is referred to as: 1. Brudzinski sign. 2. Cushing triad. 3. Kernig sign. 4. Nuchal rigidity

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21. The diet that produces anticonvulsant effects from ketosis consists of: 1. High-fat and low-carbohydrate foods. 2. High-fat and high-carbohydrate foods. 3. Low-fat and low-carbohydrate foods. 4. Low-fat and high-carbohydrate foods.

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2. The nurse is caring for a 3-year-old with an altered state of consciousness. The nurse determines that the child is oriented by asking the child to: 1. Name the president of the United States. 2. Identify her parents and state her own name. 3. State her full name and phone number. 4. Identify the current month but not the date.

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20. A preschooler has been having periods during which he suddenly falls and appears to be weak for a short time after the event. The preschool teacher asks what she should do. Select the nurse's best response. 1. "Have the parents follow up with his pediatrician as this is likely an atonic seizure." 2. "Find out if there have been any new stressors in his life, as it could be attention-seeking behavior." 3. "Have the parents follow up with his pediatrician as this is likely an absence seizure." 4. "The preschool years are a time of rapid growth, and many children appear clumsy. It would be best to watch him, and see if it continues."

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3. The parents of a child with altered consciousness ask if they can stay during the morning assessment. Select the nurse's best response. 1. "Your child is more likely to answer questions and cooperate with any procedures if you are not present." 2. "Most children feel more at ease when parents are present, so you are more than welcome to stay at the bedside." 3. "It is our policy to ask parents to leave during the first assessment of the shift." 4. "Many children fear that their parents will be disappointed if they do not do well with procedures, so we recommend that no parents be present at this time."

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47. The parents of a child with meningitis and multiple seizures ask if the child will likely develop cerebral palsy (CP). Select the nurse's best response. 1. "When your child is stable, she'll undergo computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resolution imaging (MRI). The physicians will be able to let you know if she has CP." 2. "Most children do not develop CP at this late age." 3. "Your child will be closely monitored after discharge, and a developmental specialist will be able to make the diagnosis." 4. "Most children who have had complications following meningitis develop some amount of CP."

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42. A 6-month-old infant was just diagnosed with craniosynostosis. The infant's father asks the nurse for more information about reconstructive surgery. Select the nurse's best response. 1. "The surgery is done for cosmetic reasons and is without many complications." 2. "The surgery is important to allow the brain to grow properly. Although most children do well, serious complications can occur, so your child will be closely observed in the intensive care unit." 3. "The surgery is important to allow the brain to grow properly. Most surgeons wait until the child is 3 years old to minimize potential complications." 4. "The surgery is mainly done for cosmetic reasons, and most surgeons wait until the child is 3 years old as the head has finished growing at that time."

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5. Which signs best indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in an infant? Select all that apply. 1. Sunken anterior fontanel. 2. Complaints of blurred vision. 3. High-pitched cry. 4. Increased appetite. 5. Sleeping more than usual

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13. Which order would the nurse question for a child just admitted with the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis? 1. Maintain isolation precautions until 24 hours after receiving intravenous antibiotics. 2. Intravenous fluids at 11/2 times regular maintenance. 3. Neurological checks every hour. 4. Administer acetaminophen for temperatures higher than 38°C (100.4°F).

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19. A child with a seizure disorder has been having episodes during which she drops her pencil and simply appears to be daydreaming. This is most likely a/an: 1. Absence seizure. 2. Akinetic seizure. 3. Non-epileptic seizure. 4. Simple spasm seizure

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56. The parent of a child with neuroblastoma asks the nurse what the typical signs and symptoms are at first. Select the nurse's best answer. 1. "Most children complain of abdominal fullness and difficulty urinating." 2. "Many children in the early stages of a neuroblastoma have joint pain and walk with a limp." 3. "The signs and symptoms vary depending on where the tumor is located, but typical symptoms include weight loss, abdominal distention, and fatigue." 4. "The signs and symptoms are fairly consistent regardless of the location of the tumor. They include fatigue, hunger, weight gain, and abdominal fullness."

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58. A child has been diagnosed with a midline brain tumor. In addition to showing signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), she has been voiding large amounts of very dilute urine. Which medication does the nurse expect to administer? 1. Mannitol. 2. Vasopressin. 3. Lasix. 4. Dopamine

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60. A child involved in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) is currently on a backboard with a cervical collar in place. The child is diagnosed with a cervical fracture. Which would the nurse expect to find in the child's plan of care? 1. Remove the cervical collar, keep the backboard in place, and administer high-dose methylprednisolone. 2. Continue with all forms of spinal stabilization, and administer high-dose methylprednisolone and ranitidine. 3. Remove the backboard and cervical collar, and prepare for halo traction placement. 4. Remove the cervical collar and backboard, place the child on spinal precautions, and administer high-dose methylprednisolone and ranitidine.

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9. The nurse is aware that cloudy cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) most likely indicates: 1. Viral meningitis. 2. Bacterial meningitis. 3. No infection, as CSF is usually cloudy. 4. Sepsis.

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18. A child diagnosed with meningitis is having a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Which should the nurse do first? 1. Administer blow-by oxygen and call for additional help. 2. Reassure the parents that seizures are common in children with meningitis. 3. Call a code and ask the parents to leave the room. 4. Assess the child's temperature and blood pressure.

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23. The nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parents of a toddler who experienced a febrile seizure. The nurse knows clarification is needed when the mother says: 1. "My child will likely have another seizure." 2. "My child's 7-year-old brother is also at high risk for a febrile seizure." 3. "I'll give my child acetaminophen when ill to prevent the fever from rising too high too rapidly." 4. "Most children with febrile seizures do not require seizure medicine."

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24. A child recently diagnosed with epilepsy is being evaluated for anticonvulsant medication therapy. The child will likely be placed on which type of regimen? 1. Two to three oral anticonvulsant medications so that dosing can be low and side effects minimized. 2. One oral anticonvulsant medication to observe effectiveness and minimize side effects. 3. One rectal gel to be administered in the event of a seizure. 4. A combination of oral and intravenous anticonvulsant medications to ensure compliance.

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25. Which activity should an adolescent just diagnosed with epilepsy avoid? 1. Swimming, even with a friend. 2. Being in a car at night. 3. Participating in any strenuous activities. 4. Returning to school right away.

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26. Which is the best action for the nurse to take during a child's seizure? 1. Administer the child's rescue dose of oral Valium (diazepam). 2. Loosen the child's clothing, and call for help. 3. Place a tongue blade in the child's mouth to prevent aspiration. 4. Carry the child to the infirmary to call 911 and start an intravenous line.

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27. Brain damage in a child who sustained a closed-head injury can be caused by which factor? 1. Increased perfusion to the brain and increased metabolic needs of the brain. 2. Decreased perfusion to the brain and decreased metabolic needs of the brain. 3. Increased perfusion to the brain and decreased metabolic needs of the brain. 4. Decreased perfusion of the brain and increased metabolic needs of the brain.

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29. The nurse is caring for an unconscious 6-year-old who has had a severe closed-head injury and notes the following changes: heart rate has dropped from 120 to 55, blood pressure has increased from 110/44 to 195/62, and respirations are becoming more irregular. Which should the nurse do first after calling the physician? 1. Call for additional help, and prepare to administer mannitol. 2. Continue to monitor the patient's vital signs, and prepare to administer a bolus of isotonic fluids. 3. Call for additional help, and prepare to administer an antihypertensive. 4. Continue to monitor the patient, and administer supplemental oxygen.

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32. The nurse is caring for an adolescent who remains unconscious 24 hours after sustaining a closed-head injury in a motor vehicle accident (MVA). She responds to deep, painful stimulation with decorticate posturing and has an intracranial monitor that shows periodic increased ICP. All other vital signs remain stable. Select the most appropriate nursing action. 1. Encourage the teen's peers to visit and talk to her about school and other pertinent events. 2. Encourage the teen's parents to hold her hand and speak loudly to her in an attempt to help her regain consciousness. 3. Attempt to keep a normal day/night pattern by keeping the teen in a bright, lively environment during the day and dark quiet environment at night. 4. Attempt to keep the environment dark and quiet, and encourage minimal stimulation.

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35. An infant is born with a sac protruding through the spine, containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a portion of the meninges, and nerve roots. This condition is referred to as: 1. Meningocele. 2. Myelomeningocele. 3. Spina bifida occulta. 4. Anencephaly.

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36. Which is the nurse's best response to the parents of a neonate with a meningocele who ask what can they expect? 1. "After initial surgery to close the defect, most children experience no neurological dysfunction." 2. "Surgery to close the sac will be postponed until the infant has grown and has enough skin to form a graft." 3. "After the initial surgery to close the defect, the child will likely have motor and sensory deficits." 4. "After the initial surgery to close the defect, the child will likely have future problems with urinary and bowel continence."

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46. Which child requires continued follow-up because of behaviors suspicious of cerebral palsy (CP)? 1. 1-month-old who demonstrates the startle reflex when a loud noise is heard. 2. 6-month-old who always reaches for toys with the right hand. 3. 14-month-old who has not begun to walk. 4. 2-year-old who has not yet achieved bladder control during waking hours.

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22. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering first to a child in status epilepticus? 1. Establish an intravenous line, and administer intravenous lorazepam. 2. Administer rectal diazepam. 3. Administer an oral glucose gel to the side of the child's mouth. 4. Administer oral diazepam.

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50. A child with cerebral palsy (CP) has been fitted for braces and is beginning physical therapy to assist with ambulation. The parents ask why he needs the braces when he was crawling without any assistive devices. Select the nurse's best response. 1. "The CP has progressed, and he now needs more assistance to ambulate." 2. "As your child grows, different muscle groups may need more assistance." 3. "Most children with CP need braces to help with ambulation." 4. "We have found that when children with CP use braces, they are less likely to fall."

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61. Which has the potential to alter a child's level of consciousness? Select all that apply. 1. Metabolic disorders. 2. Trauma. 3. Hypoxic episode. 4. Dehydration. 5. Endocrine disorders

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30. A child in the PICU with a head injury is comatose and unresponsive. The parent asks if he needs pain medication. Select the nurse's best response. 1. "Pain medication is not necessary as he is unresponsive and cannot feel pain." 2. "Pain medication may interfere with his ability to respond and may mask any signs of improvement." 3. "Pain medication is necessary to make him comfortable." 4. "Pain medication is necessary for comfort, but we use it cautiously as it increases the demand for oxygen."

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33. A 2-month-old infant is brought to the emergency room after experiencing a seizure. The infant appears lethargic with very irregular respirations and periods of apnea. The parents report the baby is no longer interested in feeding and before the seizure, rolled off the couch. What additional testing should the nurse immediately prepare for? 1. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the head and dilation of the eyes. 2. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the head and electroencephalogram (EEG). 3. X-rays of the head. 4. X-rays of all long bones.

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4. The mother of an unconscious child has been calling her name repeatedly and gently shaking her shoulders in an attempt to wake her up. The nurse notes that the child is flexing her arms and wrists while bringing her arms closer to the midline of her body. The child's mother asks, "What is going on?" Select the nurse's best response. 1. "I think your daughter hears you, and she is attempting to reach out to you." 2. "Your child is responding to you; please continue trying to stimulate her." 3. "It appears that your child is having a seizure." 4. "Your child is demonstrating a reflex that indicates she is overwhelmed with the stimulation she is receiving."

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44. The nurse tells a family of a child with cerebral palsy (CP) that since the 1960s the incidence of CP has: 1. Increased. 2. Decreased. 3. Remained the same. 4. Has decreased due to early misdiagnosis.

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45. Which child is at increased risk for cerebral palsy (CP)? 1. Infant born at 34 weeks with an Apgar score of 6 at 5 minutes. 2. 17-day-old infant with group B streptococcus meningitis. 3. 24-month-old child who has experienced a febrile seizure. 4. 5-year-old with a closed-head injury after falling off a bike.

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48. The nurse is caring for a 2-month-old infant who is at risk for cerebral palsy (CP) due to extreme low birth weight and prematurity. His parents ask why a speech therapist is involved in his care. Select the nurse's best response. 1. "Your child is likely to have speech problems because of his early birth. Involving the speech therapist now will ensure vocalization at a developmentally appropriate age." 2. "The speech therapist will help with tongue and jaw movements to assist with babbling." 3. "The speech therapist will help with tongue and jaw movements to assist with feeding." 4. "Many members of the health-care team are involved in your child's care so that we will know if there are any unmet needs."

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49. The nurse prepares to administer baclofen to a child with cerebral palsy (CP) who just had her hamstrings surgically released. The child's parents ask what the medication is for. Select the nurse's best response. 1. "It is a medication that will help decrease the pain from her surgery." 2. "It is a medication that will prevent her from having seizures." 3. "It is a medication that will help control her spasms." 4. "It is a medication that will help with bladder control."